Every year we take Zed for a holiday in France without a hiccup.

 

We left Calais and was making our way south on the A28 when suddenly there was a complete loss of power. I managed to get her on the extremely narrow hard shoulder, popped the bonnet to cloud of steam and heat. The top rad pipe had split, boiling off all the water and I fear causing head gasket failure! The French garage I have been recovered to took one look at the engine and in the politest accent said.....oooow, Non!

 

I will have to be recovered back to the UK on Saturday after completing our holiday in a hired, bright green Ford Fiesta, but I'm struggling to work out who/where I should have the zed taken to??

 

As you can imagine, to say that this is a stressful time is an understatement. I'm trying to enjoy my holiday but am worrying where to get the car to. I am covered with European breakdown assistance, however there is no point having the car returned to home!!

 

I won't be able to return comments immediately as I am out and about in Normandy but any advice and thoughts would much be appreciated!

So sorry to hear that. Being off to southern Europe in my own Z does give ma hint of intrepidation after reading that!

 

I'd suggest having it sent to PowerZed. Jim's on holiday in France himself at the moment but should be back by the end of the week.

That's not great news Tony and hope the damage is not to bad. I would go with Jimmer also.

 

https://www.facebook.com/PowerZed-331214947014135/

Edited August 28, 20178 yr by Gaz 300

Thanks for the reply Si and Gaz.

 

This was my first thought. However if Jim is in France I will need to have the car dropped off on Saturday at his place. I can see this is going to be a logistical nightmare?!?!.

Can always go to Lee Dent, he works most Saturdays [emoji41]

Lee Dent Also at LA AUtos in Shrewsbury Buddy.

That's not great news Tony and hope the damage is not to bad. I would go with Jimmer also.

 

https://www.facebook.com/PowerZed-331214947014135/

 

Jimmer, definitely. :thumbup:

Every year we take Zed for a holiday in France without a hiccup.

 

We left Calais and was making our way south on the A28 when suddenly there was a complete loss of power. I managed to get her on the extremely narrow hard shoulder, popped the bonnet to cloud of steam and heat. The top rad pipe had split, boiling off all the water and I fear causing head gasket failure! The French garage I have been recovered to took one look at the engine and in the politest accent said.....oooow, Non!

 

I will have to be recovered back to the UK on Saturday after completing our holiday in a hired, bright green Ford Fiesta, but I'm struggling to work out who/where I should have the zed taken to??

 

As you can imagine, to say that this is a stressful time is an understatement. I'm trying to enjoy my holiday but am worrying where to get the car to. I am covered with European breakdown assistance, however there is no point having the car returned to home!!

 

I won't be able to return comments immediately as I am out and about in Normandy but any advice and thoughts would much be appreciated!

 

Shame it impacted your holiday, but to be fair its very unlikely the head gaskets are damaged if as you described and pulled over and let it cool down soon after it happened, the top hose is such and easy fix as well, pity the French garage did not have a little more nerve to do it.

 

Jeff

 

- - - Updated - - -

Mate, just get it home. Doesn't matter much after that does it. If it's a simple a split hose, which it really could be you can sort that. Enjoy what's left of your holiday and deal with this inconvenience later.

Mate, just get it home. Doesn't matter much after that does it. If it's a simple a split hose, which it really could be you can sort that. Enjoy what's left of your holiday and deal with this inconvenience later.

 

Unfortunately it's more than the hose mate, I would have knocked something together to get me home otherwise.

 

I was traveling at around 75mph up hill when I started losing power. I managed to get back to the inside lane when the engine died. After 2 hours being stranded on the motorway waiting for the recovery lorry, eventually we were recovered to a garage where the engine was tried for diagnostic. No compression or attempt to fire up when cold.

 

I will still try to enjoy the holiday though in the bright green Ford Fiesta, not quite the Zed though.

 

Message sent to Jimmer, just praying he answers then I can relax more. Cheers

sorry to hear that. hope you manage to enjoy the rest of your hols and not fret too much about the zed

Noooo its always stress when these things happen especially so far from home. Try and enjoy your trip bud, get it back home and im sure all will be well. If you need a pair of cylinder heads i think i have a good set in my stash .

So sorry what a nightmare, all the best for the rest of your holiday.

So sorry to hear that hope it's not terminal

Mine did a similar thing last year in France at a toll booth. Started making a funny noise as we approached, then cut out as we were slowing down, then lots of steam. Turns out it was a 3 inch pipe at the very back of the engine that has split and dumped coolant everywhere. AA saved us and got the car home 3 weeks later. £80 to fix and check compression, and its been fine since!

I've managed to get hold of the legend in France, She will be going to Bristol hopefully for an overhaul!!

 

Thanks Gaz for the link to the Facebook page!!!

Good man! It'll be in great hands!

Best place for your pride and joy! :thumbup1:

Hope things turn out ok.

Enjoy your hols what's left & hope it's not too serious.

Hope it gets sorted.

Art

Thanks all for the comments, I feel better knowing that I'll get her back and into safe hands.

Thanks all for the comments, I feel better knowing that I'll get her back and into safe hands.

 

Jimmer will get it sorted mate as would Lee but as you are in the south of England it makes sense to go with Jimmer. Enjoy you holiday Tony.

Silver lining [emoji41]

Fingers crossed it's not terminal damage - these engines are tougher than people give them credit for, so you might be alright.

 

Just let Jimmer work his magic and you'll be driving it again in no time....:clover: